Family Insurance Hurricane Plan

03 Aug Family Insurance Hurricane Plan

Once again we have the hurricane season on the horizon in the State of Florida, and as the season approaches we want to ensure that our valued customers and friends are very well prepared. With you in mind, we put together important information to help you plan for before, during, and after a storm

Family Insurance Hurricane Preparedness Check List

Before the Storm…

Review your insurance policies (Flood, Homeowners, Wind, and Auto ) to make sure you have adequate coverage – most cannot be changed once the storm has been forecasted. When hurricanes hit Florida Windstorm Insurance is usually the last thing on your mind. As your local agency let us help you!

Pay special attention to replacement cost coverage of your property and be aware of the deductibles you have in each policy.

If you rent or lease an apartment, ensure you have a renter’s insurance policy in place to protect your property.

Take a complete inventory of your personal property

Take photos and/or video of each room in your house and store on a safe place away from home—do not forget to include additional details such as serial number, make and model, etc whenever available. Storing your photos or videos in cyber space is always a good idea, just send yourself an e-mail with this information and you will have it available online.

Secure important documents

Get important papers in order, put them in a waterproof container (plastic bag for example), and keep them in a safe and sound place. Be sure to include your insurance policies, social security cards, wills, titles or deeds to property, birth certificates, photos of special occasion or loved ones that cannot be replaced, etc.

Create a personal emergency plan

Designate a room in your house where you will weather the storm—remember to stay downwind in your home (this means if the wind is hitting the living room windows, you must go the room opposite the leaving room); always look for the room with none or less windows.

Plan how to meet your family in case you are separated—choose an out-of-town contact for everyone to call one place to report and get information about other family members.

Even if you do not live in a mandatory evacuation area, have a back-up plan in case you are forced to evacuate your home. If staying with friends and family is not an option, locate the nearest public shelter—do not forget to arrange for the safekeeping of your pets, they cannot be taken to public shelters.

Compile a Disaster Supplies Kit that includes:

First aid kit—including prescription medicines and any over-the-counter remedies you or your children use regularly

Turn refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings and do not open them unless necessary

Take down awnings and secure loose fixtures that might blow away

Secure all door locks to ensure they will not blow open

Fill water containers and clean bath tubs with water

Remain alert for any weather changes – eye of the storm, tornadoes, or sudden flooding

Evacuate if instructed to do so, otherwise stay indoors away from windows and glass doors as shrubs, trees or any other objects may be airborne.

Remain Calm!

After a Storm…

Continue to monitor radio or TV weather reports

Return home only when instructed to do so

Inspect your home for any damage – make temporary repairs to minimize further damage

Continue to use flashlights rather than candles for illumination

Stay clear of ANY downed power lines or electrical sources

Use only bottled water until instructed otherwise

Exercise caution when using chainsaws to clear trees or brush

We at Family Insurance hope that the 2016 hurricane season is uneventful and want to remind you that you can contact us for assistance via phone, e-mail, or through our website; it will be our pleasure to serve you.